Winning designs gain architectural accolades
The University of South Australia is developing a real reputation in the world of architecture, not only for the design of its buildings, but also for the work of its own up-and-coming architects.
In recognition of UniSA’s 10 year commitment to re-energise and redevelop its urban campuses, the University was awarded the Sir James Irwin President’s Medal at the SA branch of the Australian Institute of Architects annual awards. It was recognised for its "significant role in rejuvenating Adelaide through collaborative development at its City East, City West, Magill and Mawson Lakes campuses, and its contribution to architecture in South Australia".
SA President of the Institute, Timothy Horton, said it was only the second time since the award’s inception in 1992 that the Medal had gone to a client organisation rather than a distinguished architect.
"The Facilities Management Unit at UniSA has shown a consistent commitment to the highest standards of design procurement and exemplary terms of engagement," Mr Horton said.
"Underpinning this is UniSA’s acceptance as an ‘article of faith’ that architectural design should be integrated into the business, the brand and the strategic planning of an organisation.
"Through its Blueprint program, the University has invested in the City West precinct and driven a rejuvenation of our city which provides a vision for a confident city focused on education and research within a contemporary physical environment.
"And that vision continues at its Mawson Lakes campus, where new research centres are being strongly driven by architectural solutions."
Restoration works on the 1903 Brookman Building at City East also won recognition with a ‘heritage’ award for local company Grieve Gillett.
In the same month, UniSA’s Hawke Building at the City West campus was named the SA winner of the 2009 Property Council / Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards, and was a finalist for the Property Council’s national award.
UniSA’s Executive Director of Finances and Resources, Paul Beard, said the awards are a much appreciated testament to the completion of more than a decade of work and an investment of over $300m.
"The Facilities Management Unit at UniSA has worked very closely with our architects to create open spaces that give life and vibrancy to our campuses and to Adelaide," Mr Beard said.
"It is a great acknowledgement of our ongoing commitment to work collaboratively with all sections of the building industry including architects, engineers, cost consultants and builders."
So in a learning environment where architecture obviously matters, it is no surprise that a visitor shelter at Mt Franklin in the ACT, designed and built by UniSA architecture students, has won high industry praise.
The shelter won the ‘small building award’ and the ‘Colorbond Steel Award’ at the ACT’s annual Royal Australian Institute of Architects awards. The shelter, a venture between the school and the ACT Government, was built on the site of the Canberra Alpine Club’s historic chalet which burned down in the disastrous 2003 Canberra bushfires.